Safety and Compliance Resources at ComplianceSigns.com

 

For safety and compliance resources, you can trust the safety pros at ComplianceSigns.com. We've developed a variety of resources to help make your job a little easier: Easy custom signs; Search by specific chemicals; Bulletins explaining sign requirements; Free 5S book; and the SafeWork Insider site.

We've also shared a list of outside resources related to workplace safety and 5S / Lean.

 

Safety and Standards Organizations

ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination.
The ADA.gov site provides information for people with disabilities, state and local governments and businesses. Topics include service animals, parking and effective communication.

If you have questions about how, why or if your business needs to provide accessible features, the ADA site is the ultimate authority. Our ADA Braille Signs Resource Bulletin will help you understand some of the rules and regulations regarding sign standards.

 

ANSI: American National Standards Institute

ANSI is a private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standards and conformity assessment system. The Institute collaborates with stakeholders from industry and government to identify and develop standards that address key issues.

If you have questions about standards, conformity, chemical regulation or want to better understand how standards are developed, the ANSI site has answers. Check this SafeWork Insider post if you want to know the difference between ANSI and OSHA signs.

 

ASME: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME develops codes, standards and certifications, and conducts research, conferences and government relations. The goal of ASME is to to advance technical knowledge to help create a safer world. ASME standards cover topics including: pressure technology, power plants, elevators, construction equipment, piping, nuclear components and many more.

The ASME site offers ASME codes and standards, accreditation information and updates on mechanical engineering trends. Review the list of ASME standards.

 

DOT: U.S. Department of Transportation

The DOT issues rules and regulations regarding transportation, including autos, aviation, boats & waterways, pipelines and hazmat, public transit, railroads, roads & bridges, trucking and motorcoaches. Associated agencies include the FAA, PHMSA, FMCSA and NHTSA and many more.

If you want to keep up with the latest trenaportation-related safety rules and regulations, start at the DOT site.

 

ESFI: Electrical Safety Foundation

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) promotes electrical safety at home and the workplace through education, awareness and advocacy. The group sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May to help reduce electirical incidents.

If you need resources for electrical safety training in your workplace, the EFSI site has a self-assessment, as well as links to codes and regulations, standards and best practices and electrical injury and fatality statistics.

 

GHS / HCS: Globally Harmonized System / Hazard Communication System

The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is now aligned with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The GHS provides a common approach to classifying chemicals and communicating the hazards they present.

If you have questions or concerns about labeling the chemicals in your operation, the Hazard Communication section of the OSHA website has information on safety data sheets, labeling, standards, guidance and more. Review OSHA Hazcom Standards here.

 

MSHA: Mine Safety and Health Administration

As the name suggests, the MSHA focuses on preventing and addressing health hazards in the mining industry. The agency has regulation, inspection, compliance and enforcement responsibilities - basically a specialized OSHA for mining operations.

The MSHA site is the place to go for compliance assistance, information and forms, training resources, safety materials, and to review mining safety standards and regulations. Review MSHA safety and health materials here.

 

NFPA: National Fire Protection Association

The NFPA is a global nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. NFPA has developed more than 300 consensus codes and standards, including NFPA 70E® standard for electrical safety in the workplace and the NFPA 704 standard for identifying material hazards (NFPA Diamonds).

For electrical and fire safety standards, information, training, certification and resources, visit the NFPA site. Browse NFPA Codes and Standards.

 

OSHA: Occcupational Health & Safety Administration

OSHA is part of the United States Department of Labor. It was created in 1970 to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers in the private sector, as well as some public workers. OSHA sets and enforces safety and health standards and provides training, outreach, education and assistance.

Although OSHA's goal is worker safety, the OSHA website provides a huge collection of training resources to help employers meet OSHA regulations. These include publications, videos, web training and much more. It's also a good place to check up on the latest enforcement activities so you'll know of any focused enforcement industries in your area or industry.

OSHA Resources:

 - Publications
 - Standards
 - State Plans: OSHA-approved workplace safety and health programs operated by individual states or U.S. territories.
 - Small Business Safety and Health Handbook (pdf)
 - Electrical Testing: OSHA uses the term “Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory” (NRTL) to refer to private sector organizations that perform product certification. OSHA currently recognizes 18 NRTLs, 10 of which list products under the UL48 Standard for Electric Signs:

 

 

PHMSA: Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration

PHMSA is part of the DOT, charged with advancing the safe transportation of energy and hazardous materials. The agency establishes national policy, sets and enforces standards, educates and conducts research to prevent incidents. PHMSA issues permits, conducts field inspections, investigates incidents and enforces regulations.

If you are involved in pipeline operations or transportation of hazardous materials, you should be familiar with the PHMSA site. The site also offers an Emergency Response Guidebook, resources for first responders, and related data and statistics.

 

UL Solutions: (formerly Underwriters Laboratories)

UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services for manufacturers including automotive, construction, energy and utilities, healthcare and electronics. UL standards are applied and accepted globablly, so you have probably seen the UL certification mark on items from appliances to wire. 

The UL site offers standards for purchase, as well as a wealth of information for manufacturers who wish to meet UL safety standards. Browse UL standards.

 

Safety and Health Publications and Sites
 

ComplianceSigns.com SafeWork Insider

Shares news and information about workplace safety, 5S systems, compliance, OSHA, safety tips and more. Reports on topics including 5S / Lean, workplace health and how to stay in compliance.

 

OSHA QuickTakes 

Source for news about OSHA enforcement actions, rulemaking, outreach activities, compliance assistance, and training and educational resources.

 

OH&S Online

The online version of OH&S magazine, which has shared safety information for more than 90 years. Gives advice on how to keep the workplace safe and showcases safety products.

 

ISHN: Industrial Safety and Hygiene News

This site is designed for safety pros in manufacturing, construction, oil & gas, transportation, health, and energy industries.

 

SH@W: Safety and Health at Work

This is an international, peer-reviewed journal published quarterly to exchange ideas and research data related to occupational health and safety. 

 

Safety + Health Magazine

A National Safety Council publication.

 

Canadian Occupational Safety

Source for information and news on Canadian occupational safety and health standards.

 

OHS Canada

A national media source for Canadian occupational health and safety professionals.

 

 

5S and Lean Manufacturing Organizations
 

ASQ: American Society for Quality

The ASQ is a global organization that provides expertise, professional networks, tools and solutions to help members and provides professional training and certifications.

ASQ training includes Lean Six Sigma, quality basics, ISO and auditing, and root cause analysis. Their Quality Process magazine is available online, including a number of articles on 5s.

Lean Enterprise Institute

The Lean Enterprise Institute conducts research and shares practical information that advances lean thinking and practice.

Whether you're new to Lean thinking, or a seasoned pro, this site offers articles, videos, podcasts to increase your knowledge, as well as sponsired events and training to help you create more value.

Lean Construction Institute

LCI is a non-profit organization that developed the Lean Project Delivery System™ (LPDS) that applies lean principles pioneered in manufacturing to construction. LPDS tools facilitate planning and control, maximize value and minimize waste throughout the design and construction process.

If you're interested in lean construction, design, project delivery or other topics, check out the LCI site. Some info is available only to registered users or members, but the blog features case studies and a lot of other useful info.

Lean Thinking and Methods Info from the EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has put together a short introduction to Lean that includes info on Kaizen, 5S, Kanban, Six Sigma and more.

If you're just exploring 5S or Lean, it offers a solid introduction and additional resources. For more information and articles, explore all the 5S articles at SafeWork Insider.

Lean Six Sigma Institute

With over two decades of experience, LSSI has trained more than 70,000 professionals and 400 organizations from diverse industries to implement Lean Six Sigma methodologies and tools

For organizations or individuals who want to know more about Lean management and commit to a Six Sigma training program, the LSSI is the place to start.